Ski attaching device



Oct. 28, 1958 J. c. 1 DUBOIS DE LA sABLoNlERE 2,858,138

SKI ATTACHING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2, 1954 .m 2 NNN.

| .MWli/ NN Oct. 28, 1958 J. c, L. DuBois DE LA sABLoNlERE 2,358,138

SKI lA'1T.L\CH1NG DEVICE Filed July 2, 1954 4 Sheets-$heet 2 Oct. 28, 1 958 J. c. L. DuBois DE .LA sABLoNlERE 2,858,138

SKI ATTACHING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed July 2, 1954 l l l Oct. 28, 1958 1. c: LQ DuBois DE LA sABLoNlERE 2,858,138

' sx1 ATTACHING DEVICE Filed July 2, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 H MIE United States atent ice SKI ATTAcnmo nevica Jacques Claude Ludovic Dubois de la Sabloniere, Casabianca, Morocco Application July 2, 1954, Serial No. 441,143

Claims priority, application France .lilly 9, 1953 15 Claims. (Cl. 25m-11.35)

The :present invention relates to a ski attaching device incorporating a safety device that reduces the risk of leg fracture should a skier fall and twist his leg, this device being of the type in which the automatic release of the foot is obtained by means of a lateral force exerted by `the latter on the attaching device, this force tending to cause the boot of the skier to pivot about the front part of the boot sole.

The invention has therefore for its object the provision of ski attaching means of the aforementioned type which is improved in such manner that it is simple in construction and perfect in operation, `this attaching means permitting the release of the foot when a certain lateral force is exerted by the foot, this force decreasing, at the moment of release of the foot, with increase in the height of the heel of the skier ot the ski.

vThis attaching means is characterized by the fact that .a yieldable means acting on the locking means and immobilizing the member movable on the lski under normal skiing conditions is combined with the front tensioning `device for the cable that exerts a diagonal traction on the boot in such manner that the action of the yieldable means on the locking means decreases with increase in the tension of said cable, i. e. with increaseiin the'height of the heel on the ski.

This result, which is possible owing to the fact that the tension of the cable increases as the heel is raised oli the ski,` permits the automatical decreasingoi` the resistive force of the yieldable means combined with the locking means in proportion to the raising of the heel.

It will be understood that the device for xing and releasing the foot with respect to the ski may be of any known type, for example the foot may be released by releasing the tension of the cabie, releasing the tension inthe diagonal direction, separating the toe irons normally holding the footon the foot plate, pivoting one `of these toe irons, pivoting the front center abutment, etc.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the ensuing description with reference to the accompanying drawings given merely by way of example and -in which:

Fig. `1 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a ski provided with a ski attaching device embodying the invention;

Fig. .2 is a corresponding plan, view;

Fig. 3 isa longitudinalsectional viewon a larger scale taken along the medianplane of the ski, showing the latter and the front part `of the attaching device;

Fig. 4 is a corresponding plan view;

Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views on lines 5-5 and 6--6, respectively, lof Fig. 3;

Fig. y7 is la `partial longitudinal sectional view on a scale larger than that of Fig. 3 of a part of the ski and attaching device;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional View on line 8-8 of Fig. 3;

`Fig.`9 is a longitudinal sectional view, on a scale larger than thatof Fig. lbut smaller than that of Fig. 3, of the Patented Got. 28, 1958 front part of the attaching device and the corresponding part of the ski;

Fig. 10 is a corresponding plan View;

Fig. `11 is a cross-sectional view on line 11-11 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of `a `first `modication of the attaching device embodying `the invention;

`Fig. 13 is a corresponding plan View;

Fig. `14 is a cross-sectional view on line 1.4-1.4 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view, 4on a scale larger than that of Figs. l2 to 14, of a connecting device of adjustable length included in the device shown in said figures;

`Figl 16 is a longitudinal sectional View of another modiiication of the attaching device `embodying `the invention;

Fig. 17 is a corresponding plan view with a partial sectional view taken along line 1'7-.17 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a partial sectional `view on a `larger scale of one part of the device shown in Fig. 16, and

Fig. 19 is a partial sectional View online iti-.419 of Fig. 16 on a larger scale.

1n the various longitudinal views the front of the `ski is at the left and the rear at the right.

in the embodiment shown in Figs. l to ll, on the ski 1 is secured by screws Z a plate 3. To the fronttpart of the latter are secured two Z-shape members 4 (Fig. 8) and a square section `bar d including an aperture d (Fig. 7). At the rear `of this plate is formed an upwardly extending cylindrical projection or boss 'i' (Fig. 9). `In this boss 7 is engaged another cylindrical projection or bossy d which is downwardly extending and is formed in a pressed member 9 including an arcuate slot 1@ through which extends a stud 11 carried by a washer The latter includes three lats 11i (Fig. 4) which are disposed at varying distances from a central aperture `by means of which the washer is engaged on the boss it, which -serves as an axis therefor, together with a long flat member 14 which constitutes the above-mentioned `member of the attaching device which is movable on the ski. Member 1.4 `will be referred to as a `chassis in the ensuing description.

A case 15 having a rectangular ycross section issecured to the pivotable chassis 14.1 by means of a clip 152L (Fig. 5) extending through a recess 15b formed on the chassis between the anges of the case. A blade `or strip 17 is free to slide longitudinally up to a rear position in which it encounters one` of the ats 13 of the washer 12. This rear position and hence the travel rz (Figs. 3 4and 4) ofthe strip 17 will therefore vary according to theorientation of the washer llZsince the different flats of the latter are disposed at different distances from the `verticalaxis XX (Figs. 3 and 9).

At the rear of the case 15 is fixed by means of rivets 18a a member 18 (Figs. 3 to 5) under which may be engaged a member @secured to the sole S (Fig. 3) of the ski boot, an extension Ztl of member 19 entering a vertical aperture 21 formed in the rear transverse face of the case.

Housed within the case l5' is a U-shaped member 22 (Figs. 3 and 5). The latter serves as an abutment for two springs 23 and 24 which form part of a device Dl for tensioning the cable 46 which exerts a diagonal traction on the ski boot. Bearing against the forward end of the spring 23 is a recoil unit 25 which serves to comress the spring. This unit 25 is connected to a tube 26 in which is disposed the previously mentioned spring 24. A lug 27 from this recoil unit 25 extends through an aperture 23 formed in the top side of the case (Fig. 3). Bearing against the recoil unit 25 is the rear end of a,

U large hollow screw 29 in which is threadedly engaged a screw 30 the rear end of which freely extends into the tube 26 and precompresses the spring 24. The screw 29 freely extends through an aperture 29a formed in the front wall of the case and is threadedly engaged in a rectangular member 31 which forms a nut longitudinally movable in the case. Member 31 has formed in its front face and extending rearwardly a slot 32 and a transverse hole 33 containing a rod 34 (Fig. 7). The latter extends through longitudinal slots 35 formed in the'side walls of the case 15 and the ends of this rod, which are disposed exteriorly of the case, serve as horizontal pivot pins for the two limbs of a U-section lever 37. The front end 38 of this lever is tapered and is adapted to engage, when the lever is depressed forwardly,

' under the nose 39 of a pawl 40 (Figs. 3, 4 and 8) pivoted at 41 in a longitudinal slot 42a formed in a member 42 which is slidable between the two Z-shape members 4 (Fig. S). Secured in the slot 42a under the pawl is a blade spring 43 which tends to pivot the pawl in the direction of arrow f1 (Fig. 3). A strip 44 fixed at 45 to the slidable member 42 and fixed in the slot 32 of the nut member 31, renders the pawl unitary with the longitudinal movements of the member 31 ad the lever 37 pivotably mounted on the latter.

The usual cable 46 exerting a diagonal traction on the heel of the ski boot is secured to each of the limbs of the lever 37 at points 47 (Figs. 3 and 4) situated at a level higher than the pin 34 even when this lever is depressed and held under the retaining pawl 40.

Fixed by screws 48 at the front part of the chassis 14 is an arch member 49 (Figs. 6 and 7) forming a housing for a tube 50. The front end of the latter is slightly convergent so as to retain a ball 51 which forms a locking means by engaging the aperture 6 formed in the bar 5 secured to the plate 3, that is, to the ski. A spring 52 urges the ball 51 into locking engagement with the aperture 6. The rear end of the spring 52 bears against a movable abutrnentdened by a tapped tube 53 threadedly engaged on a screw-threaded cranked rod 54. The latter is rigid with an abutment S5 which participates in the displacement of the device D1 for tensioning the cable when the skier raises his heel off the ski. Abutment 55 bears against the recoil unit 2S (Figs. 3 and 7) which is in contact with the large spring 23.

Disposed at the rear of the pivot axis XX of the chassis 14 (Figs. 9, 10, and ll) are two members 56 and 57 forming toe irons. The latter are only partly upwardly formed by the manufacturer and are set in their nal shape by the skier to suit the shape of the soles of his boots. These toe irons are united by plates 58 and 59 in such manner as to provide a space for the chassis 14. The latter includes several tapped holes 60a (Fig. l0) which are longitudinally spaced apart and one of which receives a screw 6d, this screw acting as a stop and determining the forwardmost position o-f the irons.

The rear end 61 of the chassis 14 is engaged in a recess 62 formed in a transverse strip 63 the ends of which extending beyond the sides of the ski, form downwardly-facing grooves through which the cable 46 is passed before it encompasses the heel of the boot (Fig. l). The strip 63 is housed under the raised archshape portion of a member 65 rigidly secured to the ski by four screws 66.

y In securing the sole of the boot to the ski 1, the procedure is much the same as that for conventional attaching devices. The lever 37 of the device D1 being in its rearwardly pivoted 4raised position, the skier engages the sole Sbetween the toe irons 56, taking care that the projection 20 of the member 19 xed to the front end of the sole enters into the aperture 21 in the case 15. After passing the cable 46 first under the grooves 64 and then around his heel, the skier depresses the tension lever 37 until its end is engaged under the pawl 40.

The lever isretained by the latter and is thus prevented from being returned to its raised position by the force exerted thereon by the cable 46 (the pin 34 being lower than the points 47 at which the cable is attached to this lever). On depressing the lever 37 of the device D1 the pin 34 is urged rearwardly and carries with it the pawl 40, the strip 44, the lever 37 and the screw 29. The latter shifts back the member 25 which compresses the springs 23 and 24 simultaneously or in succession, depending on the pre-setting of the screw 30 in the screw lt should be mentioned that the skier causes the cable to exert the required diagonal tension by screwing or unscrewing the screw 30 of the device D1 without this adjustment affecting the attaching device.

In the attaching device just described are included, as has been seen, the usual elements:

The cable 46 exerting a diagonal tension;

A device for tensioning this cable comprising the lever 37;

The member movable on the ski and subjected to the lateral force exerted by the foot, comprising the chassis 14 to which this force is communicated by the aperture or slot 21 of the case 15, the toe irons 56 and 57 and the grooves 64 through which the cable 46 extends, these members forming with the chassis 14 a unit pivotable about the axis XX;

The locking means comprising the ball 51 which is unitary with the aforementioned pivotable unit and enters the aperture 6 formed in the bar 5 fixed to the ski 1;

The yieldable means acting on the locking means and comprising the spring 52 which creates the security re-l sistance, the latter being determined by the pressure exerted by the spring and by the ratio between the radius of contact of the ball 51 in the aperture 6 and the diameter of the latter;

Means for holding and releasing the foot, here cornprising the combination of the cable 46 and the engagement of the lever 37 under the pawl 40. The foot is released when the chassis 14 pivots about the axis XX after it has been unlocked (the ball 51 having left its housing 6 under the action of a lateral force exerted by the foot which is suflicient to overcome the security resistance of the spring 52), and the front 38 of the lever 37 leaves its support under the nose 39 of the pawl 40 thereby releasing the tension on the cable 46.

Figs. l2 to l5 show a first modification of the attaching device embodying the invention in which the release of the foot is obtained by the fact that a toe iron support plate becomes completely detached from the ski when an unlocking of the chassis 14 occurs. It will be noticed that the left part of Fig. 13 is a horizontal sectional view in which the lever of the device D2 adapted to tension the cable has been removed, the right part of the device being shown in plan.

On the ski 1 is fixed a plate 3a having in the neighborhood of its middle an upwardly extending boss 7a. On this plate are xed, at the rear, a member including two upwardly cranked feet 71 and 72 and, at the front, a block 73.

A second plate 74, comprising toe irons 75 including lugs 76 adapted to bear against the upper edge of the sole of the ski boot, is engaged on the boss 7a by means of an aperture 77 and is held against the plate 321 by rear feet 78 and 79 disposed under the feet 71 and 72 and, at the front, by a rigid stripor bar 80 the lower semi-circular section edge 81 of which is engaged in a shallow longitudinal groove 82 formed on the plate 74.

rEhe bar 80 is housed in a slot 83 formed in the block 73. It is urged downwardly by a spring 84 the pressure of which is adjustable by means of a cap 85 threadedly engaged on a screw-threaded portion of the block 73. The spring 84 bears against an inclined portion 86 of the upper face of the bar 30, this portion descending for- `wardly with 'respect to the ski so that the pressure exerted by the spring on the bar decreases when the lat- "ter moves rearwardly in the direction of arrow f2. The bar 80 is connected, by way of a coupling 87 that is adjustable in length such as that shown in Fig. 15 and described hereunder, with the rear end of a case 88 forming part of the device D2 adapted to tension the cable 46. This case which is a unit connected to the end of spring 92 is longitudinally slidable in slideways 89 formed in a guide member 90 secured by screws 91 to the ski 1 and is connected by a tension spring 92 to a screw-threaded adjusting rod 93 on which is threadedly engaged a nut 94 which bears against a transverse wall 95 of the member 90, through which wall the rod 93 freely extends.

Pivoted at 96 (Fig. 12) on the case 88 is the lever 97 adapted to tension the cable 46 which applies a diagonal tension on the ski boot. This cable is hooked at to a fork 99 pivoted at 100 to the lever 97.

The adjustable coupling device 87 shown in Fig. 15 comprises a screw member 101 having two portions 102 and 103 which are screw threadmi in opposite directions and are threadedly engaged in tapped tubes 104 and 105' vthe ends of which are formed into feet 106 and 107 which are respectively fixed by screws, bolts or rivets to lthe front end of the bar 80 and to a rearward extension 108 of the case 8S of the device D2 in order to associate the rear of the coupling device to the bar 80 and the front of the coupling device'to the unit dened by the case 8. In this manner the entire coupling device is a unit with the end of spring 92 of device DZ in order to place the cable under tension.

It` will be noted that with the device shown in Figs. 12 to 15 just described, it may be advantageous to employ the rear` device shown in Figs. 9 and 10 in place of the conventional cable hooks or grooves secured to the sides of the lski, since the conventional fixed side hooks might hinder, even after disengagement of the locking means, the pivotable movement of the detachable plate.

Figs. 16`to 19 show a second modification of the invention comprising a movable member which requires the usual fixing means and a device for creating an additional yieldab'le locking pressure that isindependent of the tension of the cable obtained by means of the device D3.

In this embodiment a block 110 is rigidly secured to the ski 1 by screws "111 which extend through spacer members 112 which enable the block to be adjusted in height. Rigid with the block 110 is a cylindrical tube 113 which comprises a slot 114 disposed at the rear of the tube in relation to the ski. Capable of pivoting about a transverse horizontal pin 115 in slot `114- is a llat locking member 116 the upper part of which ends in a nose 117 having a semi-circular cross-section. Screwed in the top of the tube 113`in the rearward direction is a screw 119 havinga knurled head 120. A blind hole formed in the Vlatter houses a spring 121 one of the ends of which bears against the locking member 116.

Rotatably mounted on the cylindrical tube 113 is a cylindrical sleeve '122 which comprises, on its inner face, a recess 123 in alignment with the nose 117 and, on its outer face at the rear, a rib 124 of semi-circular cross-section. A groove `125 formed in a member 126 secured to the sole of the ski boot is capable of engaging this rib 124 to an extent suicient to allow a lateral force, exerted by the `footand transmitted by member 126 to the rib 124, to rotate the sleeve 122 on the tube 113, the member 126 disengaging from the rib 124 only after the sleeve has rotated through a given angle.

Connected to the lower end' of the locking member 116 is the rear end ot a cable 127. This cable, which extends forwardly, freely extends through an aperture `formed in the rear end of a iirst cylinder 128 (Fig. 18) open at its front end, and is connected at `129 to the front end of a second cylinder 130. The latter, which is open at its rear end, is slidably mounted on the first cylinder 128. A

spring 131 is housed between the two ends ofthe cylinders. Connected at 132 to the rear end of the cylinder 128 is a cable 133 connected at its other end to the rear end of a tension device 134. The latter may be of the type described above and illustrated in Fig. l5. Its trout end is connected by a rod 135 to a :rigid strip 136 which extends under two upwardly arched members 137 and 138 secured to the ski (Fig. 16). This strip carries on its upper face a transverse opstanding portion or abutment 139 which is capable of bearing in the rearward ich. against a complementary downwardly extending p .ion or abutment 140 constituting a recoil unit of a member fixed to the underside of a hook 141 adapted to hook around the cable 46 which exerts the diagonal tension on the ski boot. This cable is tensioned `by means ol a conventional -device D3, which comprises a lever 142 which pivots about a pin 143 in a fork member 144 fixed to the ski 1. Pivoted at 145 'to this lever is a nut '14'6 in which is threadedly engaged a screw 147 connected by way of a spring 140 to the hook 141.

Also secured to the ski 1, are toe irons `(not shown) and the conventional side hooks or grooves under which the cable 46 extends.

The ski boot is secured to the ski byengaging the sole between the toe irons so that the front groove 125 of the member 126 engages the rib of the sleeve 122. After the cable 46 has been adjusted to the size of the boot and the desired diagonal tension has been obtained by adjusting the screw 147 of the device D3,'the tensioning device 134 is so adjusted as to bring the abutment 139 of the strip 136 into abutting relation with the front face of the abutment 140 xed under the hook 141.

The boot is released from the ski as soon as the groove 125 of the member 126.rotates the sleeve 122 to an extent sucient for groove 125 to escape from the rib 124.

The improvement afforded by the -inveution resides in the fact that the base of the locking member 116 is urged forwardly in relation to the ski by the spring 131 whichmaintains the abutment 139 incontact with the abutment 140. When the heel rises, the cable 46fastened to the hook 141 causes the unit defined by the abutment 140 to be recoiled. This recoiledmovement is followed by the abutment 139 on the end of the connecting strip `136 under the action of the elastic element defined by the spring 131. ln this manner there is eiected the desired diminution of the security resistance in response to and in proportion to the elevation of the heel.

Without the addition of this variable tension applied to the locking member 116 the security resistance would remain constant, since it would depend solely on the pressure exerted by the spring 121, which pressure is pre-set by the screw 119 and is substantially constant. Only this latter pressure remains when, in raising the heel, the rearward travel of the hook 141 is sufficient to allow the spring 131 to expand and thus eliminate its action. Thus, in so adjusting the screw 119, the skier may select the minimum residual pressure of the security resistance corresponding to the 'twisting force for which he desires to be released from the ski in the event of a fall.

The locking means may comprise a ball instead of a semi-circular-section nose. Moreover, a ball may be used in the arrangement ensuring the minimum residue pressure and a fiat locking member used in achieving the decreasing resistance with increase in the elevation of the heel.

For the skier using a very high diagonal cable tension it may be advantageous to add to the device shown in Figs. 16 to 19 devices similar to those shown in Figs. 9 and 10. But the member carrying the toe irons would be pivoted at its midpoint and would have a rearward extension controlling the member 63 carrying grooves 64 shown in Fig. 10 andanother forward extension which would remain. immobilized as long as the locking means is not released.

Although specific embodiments of the invention havel been described hereinbefore, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereinA Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Having now described my invention what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Ina binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable movable when the heel of the boot 1s lifted, a tightener for said cable including a spring urged recoil unit responsive to changes in the tension in said cable upon elevation of the heel of the boot, a pivotable element adapted to be actuated by the sole of the bont and p1votable in response to pivoting movements of said sole, and a safety device carried by said pivotable element including a yieldable locking assembly which normally immobilizes the tightener in a predetermined positlon notwithstanding elevation and lowering of the heel, said locking assembly including a locking element acted upon by an elastic member and a movable member acting upon said elastic member, the combination of a rigid connecting element mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel, and the force necessary to pivot said pivotable member similarly decreases with increasing elevation of the heel.

2. In a binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable movable when the heel of the boot is lifted, a tightener for said cable including a spring urged recoil unit responsive to changes in the tension in said cable upon elevation of the heel of the boot, a pivotable element adapted to be actuated by the sole of the boot and pivotable in response to pivoting movements of said sole, and a safety device carried by said pivotable element including a yieldable locking assembly which normally immobilizes the tightener in a predetermined position notwithstanding elevation and lowering of the heel, said locking assembly including a locking element acted upon by an elastic member, the combination of a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel.

3. In a binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable movable when the heel of the boot is lifted, a tightener for said cable including a spring urged recoil unit responsive to changes in the tension in said cable upon elevation of the heel of the boo-t, a pivotable element adapted to be actuated by the sole of the boot and pivotable in response to pivoting movements of said sole, and a safety device carried by said pivotable element including a yieldable locking assembly which normally immobilizes the tightener in a predetermined position notwithstanding elevation and lowering of the heel, said locking assembly including a locking element acted upon by an elastic member, the combination of a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, said connecting element including an abutment member frictionally engageable with one side of the recoil unit, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel.

4. In a binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable movable when the heel of the boot is lifted, a tightener for said cable including a spring urged recoil unit responsive to changes in the tension in said cable upon elevation of the heel of the boot, a pivotable element adapted to be actuated by the sole of the boot and pivotable in response to pivoting movements of said sole, and a safety device carried by said pivotable element including a yieldable locking assembly which normally immobilizes the tightener in a predetermined position notwithstanding elevation and lowering of the heel, said locking assembly including a locking element acted upon by an elastic member, the combination of a rigid connecting element adjustable in and n'iounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, and means for limiting the expansion of the elastic member to a predetermined extent, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel.

5. In a binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable movable when the heel of the boot is lifted, a tightener for said cable including a spring urged recoil unit responsive to changes in the tension in said cable upon elevation of the heel of the boot, a pivotable element adapted to be actuated by the sole of the boot and pivotable in response to pivoting movements 0f said sole, and a safety device carried by said pivotable element including a yieldable locking assembly which normally immobilizes the tightener in a predetermined position notwithstanding elevation and lowering of the heel, said locking assembly including a locking element acted upon by an elastic member, the combination of a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel, and an adjustable abutment member limiting the extent of movement of said connecting element in the direction of expansion of said elastic member.

6. In a binding for attaching a boot to a ski of the type comprising a tension cable adapted to pass around the heel of the boot and to be moved when the heel is lifted, the combination of a plate adapted to be secured to the top face of the ski, a movable element comprising an` elongated strip pivotally mounted under the sole of the boot around a vertical axis, a casing carried by said strip at its forward end, a yieldable locking unit effective to immobilize said strip, said locking unit thereby creating a security resistance to the pivoting of said strip, said locking unit comprising an apertured element secured to said plate and an aperture-engaging element movable in said case and acted upon by an elastic member comprising a compression spring, a device for tightening said cable comprising a spring provided with a recoil unit, an articulated tightening lever carrying the ends of said cable, the lowering of the lever producing a tightening of the cable and acting upon the recoil unit to cause it to compress said spring, a longitudinally-adjustable, longitudinally-extending connecting device having an abutment at its rearward end and being interposed between said recoil unit and said elastic member with the abutment in engagement with the recoil unit, whereby the value of the security resistance provided by said elastic member decreases upon recoil of the recoil unit which results from the increasing of the tension of the cable upon the lifting of the heel and the force of the foot necessary to cause the strip to pivot similarly decreases as the heel is lifted.

7. A device as defined in claim 6, further comprising a pawl positioned to hold the lever in lowered position, said lever having a nose engageable by said pawl, the

assenso 'pwl `and the nse being narrow and said nose ybeing releasable the pawl when the strip pivots.

8. vAwdevice as defined in claim 6, wherein the recoil unit includes a first portion bearing against said spring, and a second portion supporting a pivot for the tightening lever, said second portion being provided with an internally-threaded aperture and an externally-threaded niemberengaged in said aperture and engaged with said first portion whereby the distance between said first and second portions is adjustable by rotation of said externallythreaded member in said aperture. u

9. A device as defined in claim 8, wherein the externally threaded member has an internally-threaded bore and receives a supplementary 'screw therein, and wherein said spring surrounds a spring casing containing a second spring and the rear portion of said screw engages the second spring, the first portion of the recoil unit being apertured to `receive said externally-threaded member.

10. A device as defined in claim 6, wherein said strip is formed at its rearward end with an extension, and a transverse plate is formed with a recess to receive said extension, said transverse plate also including means for guiding the cable.

l1. In a device adapted to attach a boot to a ski when the ski moves down a slope and to free said boot from said ski in case of a fall, and comprising a cable engaged by lateral hooks and positionedto pass around the heel of the boot, a tension-lever, spring means positioned to bring boutan increase in the tension of said cable when the heel is lifted, a spring-urged u, recoil unit effective to undergo recoil when the heel `is lifted, a safety element and a `locking element free from `interdependence upon said recoil unit, a pivotable element positioned to receive the pivoting force of the foot, said safety element and locking element forming a yielding locking assembly for the pivotable element and including an elastic member, said locking assembly having interengaging first and second portions and creating resistance that will yield to the pivotable member when said first and second portions of the locking assembly become engaged by the action of one of said portions of said elastic member of said yielding locking assembly, said pivotable element beginning to pivot when the pivoting of the foot overcomes said resistance which has a force which remains independent of the lifting and lowering of the heel of the boot, the combination of means to provide an interdependence between one of the components of said yielding locking assembly with said recoil unit, said means comprising a rigid connecting element mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel, and the force necessary to pivot said pivotable member similarly decreases with increasing elevation of the heel.

12. In a device adapted to attach a boot to a ski when the ski moves down a slope and to free said boot from said ski in case of a fall, and comprising a cable engaged by lateral hooks and positioned to pass around the heel of the boot, a tension-lever, spring means positioned to bring about an increase in the tension of said cable when the heel is lifted, a spring-urged recoil unit effective to undergo -recoil when the heel is lifted, a safety element and a locking element free from interdependence upon said recoil unit, a pivotable element positioned to receive the pivoting force of the foot, said safety element and locking element forming a yielding locking assembly for the pivotable element and including an elastic member, said locking .assembly having interengaging first and second portions and creating resistance that will yield to the pivotable member when said first and second portions of the locking assembly become engaged by the action of one of said portions of said elastic 'member of said yielding locking assembly, said pivotable element beginning to pivot when the pivoting of the foot overcomes said resistance which has a force which remains independent of the lifting and lowering of the heel of the boot, the combination of means to provide lan interdependence between one of the components of said yielding locking assembly with said recoil unit, said means comprising a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the and engaged at one end by the recoil junit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, whereby the elastic member is compressed and eX- panded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking velement decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel.

13, In a device adapted to attach a boot to a ski Awhen the ski moves down a slope and to free said `boot from said ski in case of a fall, and comprising a cable engaged by lateral hooks and positioned to pass around the heel of the `boot, a tension-lever, spring means positioned to bring about an increase in the tension of said cable when the heel is lifted, a spring-urged recoil unit effective to undergo recoil when the heel is lifted, a safety element and a locking element free from interdependence upon said recoil unit, a pivotable element positioned to receive "the pivoting force of the foot, said safety element and 'locking element forming a yielding locking assembly f-or the pivotable element and including an elastic member, said locking .assembly having interengaging first and second portions and creating resistance that will yield to the lpivotable member when said first and second portions of the locking assembly become engaged by the action of one of said portions of said elastic member of said yielding locking assembly, said pivotable element -beginning to pivot when the pivoting of the foot overcomes said resistance which has a force which remains independent of the lifting and lowering of the heel of the boot, the .combination of means to provide an interdependence between one of the components of said yielding locking assembly with said recoil unit, said means comprising a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, said connecting element including an abutment member frictionally engageable with one side of the recoil unit, whereby the elastic member is compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the extent of lifting of the heel.

14. In a device adapted to attach a boot to a ski when the ski moves down a slope and to free said boot from said ski in case of a fall, and comprising a cable engaged by lateral hooks and positioned to pass around the heel of the boot, a tension-lever, spring means positioned to bring about an increase in the tension of said cable when the heel is lifted, a spring-urged recoil unit effective to undergo recoil when the heel is lifted, a safety element and a locking element free from interdependence upon said recoil unit, a pivotable element positioned to receive the pivoting force of the foot, said safety element and locking element forming a yielding locking assembly for the pivotable element and including an elastic member, said locking assembly having interengaging first and second portions and creating resistance that will yield to the pivotable member when said first and second portions of the locking assembly become engaged by the action of one of said portions of said elastic member of said yielding locking assembly, said pivotable element beginning to pivot when the pivoting of the foot overcomes said resistance which has a force which remains independent of the lifting and lowering of the heel of the boot, the .combination of means to provide an interdependence between one of the components of said yield ing locking assembly with said recoil unit, said means comprising a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its other end with the elastic member of the locking assembly, and means for limiting the expansion of the elastic member to a predetermined extent, `whereby the elastic member is .compressed and expanded in response to movements of the recoil unit and the force required to release the safety locking element decreases in relation to the eX- tent of lifting of the heel.

15. In .a ldevice adapted to attach a boot to a ski when the ski moves down a slope and to free said boot from said ski in case of a fall, and comprising a cable engaged by lateral hooks and positioned to pass around the heel of the boot, a tension-lever, spring means positioned to bring about `an increase in the tension of said cable when the heel is lifted, a spring-urged recoil unit effective to undergo recoil when the heel is lifted, a safety element and a locking element free from interdependence upon said recoil unit, a pivotable element positioned to receive the pivoting force of the foot, said safety element and locking element forming a yielding locking assembly for the pivotable element and including an elastic member, said locking assembly having interengaging first and second portions and creating resistance that will yield to the pivotable member when said rst and second portions of the locking assembly become engaged by the action of one of said portions of said elastic member of said yielding locking assembly, said pivotable element beginning to pivot when the pivoting of the'foot overcomes "said resistance which has a force which remains independent of the lifting and lowering of the heel of the boot, the combination of means to provide an interdependence between one of the components of said yielding locking assembly with said recoil unit, said means comprising a rigid connecting element adjustable in length and mounted to be displaced longitudinally of the i ski and engaged at one end by the recoil unit and at its References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,259,701 Legros Oct. 21, 1941 2,381,793 Wallace Aug. 7, 1945 2,429,413 Koller Oct. 21, 1947 2,513,926 Erwin July 4, 1950 2,534,038 Lanz Dec. 12, 1950 2,698,757 Berlenbach Jan. 4, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 596,836 Great Britain Ian. 12, 1948 86,038 Switzerland Ian. 3, 1921 206,751 v Switzerland Dec. 1, 1939 207,087 Switzerland Dec. 16, 1939 239,164 Switzerland Dec. 17, 1945 241,681 Switzerland Aug. 16, 1946 278,973 Switzerland Feb. 16, 1952 

